In this episode Alex and Chris verbally cruise the choppy waters of the right to write debate. Should writers tell stories about life experiences (race, religion, etc.) that they haven't lived. If so, what are their responsibilities? What harm can come out of it? What good?
Will Chris and Alex have the answers, or just raise more questions?
Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

A little while back, Chris attended the Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey.
There he met and interviewed several other talented authors to get a glimpse of their process for telling the damn story. So listen up as he shares some process and experiences of mystery writer and ex-journalist R.G. BELSKY.
Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you will? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode, Alex has to roll solo as he sits down with one of the comic industries best talents, writer/creator Tony Isabella. Tony worked for both Marvel and DC Comics starting back in the seventies, and is best known as the creator of the popular character, "Black Lightning." But there's more to his long and formidable history. And there's a lot more to the story behind those years, and the other characters he's written or created.
So sit back, listen, laugh and learn about his creative path from Cleveland to Hollywood.
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

Co Hosts Alex and Chris thought they were prepared to interview storyteller extraordinaire DON McGREGOR. Alex had known him since the 70s. Chris had read this books almost as long, and researched like crazy for the interview. They thought they were ready for anything.
They weren't even close.
Listen as Don candidly speaks about his creative, professional, and personal life -- good, bad and amazing!
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

This week Alex and Chris discuss what Black History Month means, what it should mean, whether Michael B Jordan should play Superman, and explore Blackjack's place in American history.
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

In Part 2 of our double your fun Brown Coat podcastic experience, Chris and Alex take a walk on the Whedon side. JOSS WHEDON, that is. They discuss the works, creative phIlosophy, industry influence of the man who created Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and more. as well as the director of the Avengers.
Special Episode Question To The Public:
What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in a movie, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far?
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

In this two-parter, Chris interviews two members of the Pennsylvania Brown Coats, a fan group inspired by the TV series, FIREFLY. Created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, The Avengers, etc.), the series was short lived, but fan power extended it's life both on the screen, and around the globe. Matt and Steve explain how much so.
Special episode question to the public: What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in movies, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far?
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan talk about finding your Twitter Tribe, upcoming DC projects, and whether Hollywood is really ready to honor Marvel's Black Panther.
Special episode question to the public: What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in movies, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far?
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode, Alex and Chris cover a wide range of the creative arena, starting with the latest changes in comics, film and TV. Then they wrestle with some of the methods, as well as the pros and emotionally charges cons of writing about hot topics -- even in fiction.
Special episode question to the public:
Should Disney create separate channels for their Marvel Comics (i.e. DareDevil and Punisher), Star Wars, and Disney programs?
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode Alex and Chris talk about pop culture Aqua-billions, Spidey-good-sense, some tips for those seeking creative independence, and the passing of a much respected comic industry great, BATTON LASH.
Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

A few months back Chris went on another solo mission to Phil Con, and while there he interviewed 3 talented authors. So sit back and listen to the first and unedited interview. It's with author, L.A. DiPaolo.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Hey Folks:
It's the end of the year and a time to reflect on what we've learned and what's inspired us to keep going. Those bright lights, or sparkling jewels of knowledge can come as things we've read, heard, or seen.
So, join co-hosts Alex and Chris as they look back on the turbulent times we know as 2018, to share, "How We Feed The Muse."
* PS: During the podcast I could not remember the name of a particular motivational speaker. Right after we signed off, I did remember. It's Tony Roberts.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Hey Folks:
It the end of the year and a time to reflect on what went right, wrong and somewhere in between. And this is the time that most of us discover that we may have gained far more than we've ever lost.
So, join co hosts Alex and Chris as they look back on the turbulent time we know as 2018.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Sometimes writing stories about the past challenges our present day sensibilities, and more. Alex and Chris reveal how the pressures of writing two short stories in two weeks, required research, reflection, and restraint.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing skills he interviewed several other talented authors.
So listen well to the fourth of six, author TEEL JAMES GLENN, as he shares some of his best writing habits and tips.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex is early morning solo as he ponders the artistic side of the popular online mantra, "Done Is Better Than Perfect."
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing skills he interviewed several other talented authors. So listen well to his third of six, as they share their highly developed writing skills, habits and tips. Attentive persons, meet mystery writer Art Taylor.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode host Alex Simmons interviews graphic novelist, creator/writer, and children's book illustrator, JERRY CRAFT. Jerry shares some of the funny but also twisted turns he had to take as an black artist, creating black non-stereotypical characters in the comics world.
[*This is half of an interview I did with Jerry about his homework and about his impressions of my character Blackjack. If you'd like to hear the Blackjack portion of his interview let me know in the comments below.]
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

The Real "True Believer" is gone.
Alex and Chris share thoughts and personal memories about the legend that was Stan Lee. As Alex put it, "he was the P.T. Barnum of the comics industry ... the face of Marvel..." His collaborations with many great artists, and his business and marketing savvy helped build a multi-billion dollar property.
*After the show leave a comment about your favorite Stan Lee creation, story, saying, or appearance.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Welcome to the second part of Alex and Chris' discussion about the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is all the negotiating, research, paperwork, waiting and more a road to fortune and fame, or disillusion and shame?
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.come Damn Story

Alex and Chris discuss the facts and fancies surrounding the quest for a Hollywood film or TV deal? Is it just like winning the lottery, or more like back stroking in a tsunami?
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

As independent writers and publishers, Alex and Chris have had a week stuffed with author activity. They've been traveling the full range of a writer’s experience. So listen in as they discuss a creators experience of patrons buying their work (Blackjack - Trial..); positive reviews and fan exuberant quotes, trying to build on the momentum, and ... the odd cure for rejection.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Release of the new Blackjack (Rapid Read book), TRIAL BY FIRE, TRIAL BY ICE, delayed the posting of the 3rd episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, where Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.
So here is Part Three of the interview with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, Dionne Stallworth. This concludes their conversation about childhood challenges, comic book inspirations, and the importance of history and cultural identity.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this second episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.
Part two of the interview with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, Dionne Stallworth. The conversation covers childhood challenges, comic book inspirations, and the importance of history and cultural identity. All that and Stan Lee too.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this second episode of the series WHY BLACKJACK, Alex continues to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.
This time it's with ECBACC media tech, and Blackjack fan, Dionne Stallworth. The conversation covers childhood challenges, comic book inspirations, and the importance of history and cultural identity. All that and Stan Lee too.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

How do you write and remain true to the story when personal and political storms are brewing?
Your hosts, Alex and Chris, celebrate as well as reveal some of the thoughts, challenges, and fears behind writing this latest Arron Day double action-adventure, "Blackjack: Trial By Fire, Trial By Ice."
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK. This is the first of several interviews with the people that helped prove stories about a 1930s African-American soldier of fortune have mass appeal.
So listen to this interview with artist extraordinaire, ERIC BATTLE, Part one.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
(*A new adventure has just been released, "Blackjack: Trial By Fire, Trial By Ice." Available on Amazon.com.)
(*Sorry this episode is out of sequence. Oops!)

As a new book prepares to launch, Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.
He starts here with the first of several interviews, with Blackjack artists and fans, to learn why tales about a 1930s African-American soldier of fortune has such mass appeal.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

As a new book prepares to launch, Alex sets out to explore the appeal of his action adventure creation, ARRON DAY aka BLACKJACK.
He starts here with the first of several interviews, with Blackjack artists and fans, to learn why tales about a 1930s African-American soldier of fortune has such mass appeal.
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris are back together again talking out whether superhero pop culture is about to experience it's own INFINITY WAR. And if so, who is Thanos? Corporations? Fans? Or an increasingly divisive culture?
Please leave us your comments below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While lurking and ferreting out creative intel, he also conversed with several other talented authors. So listen well to his first of 6 interrogat ... uh, I mean interviews, as they share their highly developed writing skills, habits and tips. His second interview is with author, Carol Gyzander.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While lurking and ferreting out creative intel, he also conversed with several other talented authors. So listen well to his first of 6 interrogat ... uh, I mean interviews, as they share their highly developed writing skills, habits and tips. First up, mystery/history/romance author A. J. Sidransky.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview others who have created stories in a very particular genre, pulp adventures! Hi next interviewee ... Bob Deis & Wyatt Doyle.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer, creators, illustrators, and others who have created stories in the pulp adventures genre! This time his interview is with the talented author ... Jim Beard.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode Simmons "Fesses Up." Alex goes solo to shares some of the emotional hardships and confusion he faced trying to write a story that should have been a breeze.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

With "snipers," "spammers," and "trolls" waiting in the digital bushes and hills of the internet, how do promote on social media. Alex and Chris tackled the high points and pitfalls of being artists and entrepreneur being themselves while trying to promote their products.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Here's the conclusion of this Alex and Chris' discussion on the pros and cons of being your real self on social media. How can artists promote their projects and still face the internet "snipers," "spammers," and "trolls" waiting in the digital bushes and hills?
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris discuss the disciplines and dangers of trying to meet the DREADED DEADLINES. They also shares insights and tips as they share some of their own deadline fails and how they coped.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Here's the last great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer/creators and others who have created stories in the pulp adventures genre! This time his interview is with Colin Richards.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer/creators and others who have created stories in the pulp adventures genre! This time his interview is with the well known artist, Mark Wheatley and and his associate, Henry Franke.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Here's the next great interview Chris Ryan achieved while on the road in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at PULPFEST. Chris managed to interview writer, creators, illustrators, and others who have created stories in the pulp adventures genre!This time his interview is with the well known ... Joe R. Lansdale.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex continues with Part 2 of the interview with Mr. Adedotun Salu and his associates at the Africa Cartoon Centre (ACC) in Lagos, Nigeria. They'll offer more information on their GLOBAL comic art poster contest, as well as other comic and cartoon projects, they've started to challenge social issues facing youth in their country.
Africa Cartoon Centre
Web site: www.accentre.org
Email: AfriCartoonCentre@gmail.com
Facebook: Africa Cartoon Centre
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris begin a two-part interview with Mr. Adedotun Salu and his associates at the Africa Cartoon Centre (ACC) in Lagos, Nigeria. They'll discuss a new comic art poster contest, as well as other comic and cartoon projects, that they've started to challenge social issues facing youth in their country.
Africa Cartoon Centre
Web site: www.accentre.org
Email: AfriCartoonCentre@gmail.com
Facebook: Africa Cartoon Centre
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview others who have created stories in a very particular genre, pulp adventures! Hi next interviewee ... David Kalb, Bill Mann, and Chris Kalb of Age of Aces Books.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview others who have created stories in a very particular genre, pulp adventures! Hi next interviewee ... Interviewee: Brett A. Brooks
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris Ryan's is still on the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview others who have created stories in a very particular genre, pulp adventures! Hi next interviewee ... author Sara Light-Waller.
*Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or...
Please do so by contacting us at:
TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

It's Chris Ryan's turn to hit the road. He's in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at an event called PULPFEST, not only as a writer/creator, but also to interview others who have created stories in a very particular genre, pulp adventures! First author up ... Joab Stieglitz.
*Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or...
Please do so by contacting us at:
TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

(This is part 2 of 2)
While traveling through a few cities in Europe, co-host Alex Simmons has a meeting with two artists/members (Ainur and Remi) of the Comics Center of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. They are The interview gave all three a chance to discuss the creative, entertainment, educational, community benefits, historical and global advances of comics and graphic novels.
Helsinki Comics Center Website:
http://www.sarjakuvakeskus.fi/

While traveling through a few cities in Europe, co-host Alex Simmons has a meeting with two artists/members of the Comics Center of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. The interview gave all three a chance to discuss the creative, entertainment, educational, community benefits, historical and global advances of comics and graphic novels.
This is Episode 1 of a 2 parter.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris discuss the thoughts, ethics, and personal processes behind repurposes artists repurposing their creations to fit new social or political. Is it a personal or business choice and is it a good one either way?
Leave your comments below, or write to:
TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris asks the questions as Alex gives a short on the spot report from Leskovac, a small small town in Serbia. Alex was invited to teach a writer's workshop at the Balkan young Comics creators Festival.
*Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or...
Please do so by contacting us at:
TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex and Chris wrestle with a professional and emotional challenge. Within this intense and sensitive time can creatives promote, blog and share their thoughts in the wild wild west of social media?
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Chris interviews Alex on his invite to speak to young artists at the international Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators, in Serbia. It's purpose is to bring together a war torn area of Balkans. and give support to young creators. The festival began in 1998 and is the oldest in the region. Since they didn't have one in 1999, because of bombings, this is their 20th anniversary.
Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ...
Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

No matter how hard you try, sometimes the writing just doesn't go the way you want. In this episode Chris and Alex discuss some of their most difficult and disappointing writing experiences and how they dealt with them.

Alex and Chris explore the storytelling power of the the superhero movies current and coming soon. And how the Disney empire (Marvel and Star Wars films) has managed to weave a multi-billion dollar year.

Over the years Chris and Alex have written many different characters, from plays to comics, and from men to monsters. In this episode they discuss somechallenges and methods for writing engagging and genuine dialog.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or on
www.Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory
Or write: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex explore how they, and other artists, feed theirinner creative energy source. Where do we find inspiration and determination?
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex discuss what type (and archtype) of characters in life and fiction intrigue them the most, and how that influences their work.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris and Alex talk about a few methods for dealing with writing distractions and excuses.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Chris talks to Alex Simmons, who is in San Diego, as a judge for the comic book industry's prestigious EISNER AWARDS.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: TTDSonAir@gmail.com

With the popularity of the movies and TV series from Marvel and DC Comics, including the extremely successful Black Panther film, the word "hero" has taken a prominent place in everyday conversation.
In this episode I continue to explore the meaning of the word, and how we see the individuals (factual or fictional) upon whom we bestow that title.

Writers Chris and Alex discuss how they determine when to use violence in or out of the comic book page. And what are the thought processes behind that decision.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Most writers are curious about life. We live, observe, research, and think about it. Then we sit down somewhere and chronicles about the aspects that intrigue or excite us.
What's on My Mind is where I'll explore share my thoughts and questions the places where life and art combine.

Alex and Chris gives some tips of how to get your creations out into the public eye, without sticking them in the eye.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ...
Simmons Here And Now.
The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, “Matty’s Rocket!” It’s a stellar blend of Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman (look them up) having Buck Rogers-like adventures in the Jim Crow 1930s! (Part 1 & 2)

Alex and Chris discuss the work and humanity of the unsung artist, Billy Graham. In particular his contribution as the first artist for Marvel's Luke Cage comics, and one of the Primo artists on the first major Black Panther comic book series "Panthers Rage."

Your hosts, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what you're left with when projects and promotions don't go even close to the way you planned.
*Have questions for them? Post on ...
Anchor, or find us on ...
Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or
Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ...
Simmons Here And Now.
The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, “Matty’s Rocket!” It’s a stellar blend of Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman (look them up) having Buck Rogers-like adventures in the Jim Crow 1930s!